Nepal reopens for adventure

Home to eight of the world’s highest peaks, Nepal offers the best in climbing, trekking and mountaineering. All these big mountains have big glaciers that flow down to offer a superior white water rafting and kayaking experience in the thundering rivers that snake down the valleys. Expansive valleys and steep foothills provide fantastical off road mountain biking opportunities for downhill runs and singletrack touring.

Adventure. This single word defines what Nepal is all about. But there’s more, much more to this tiny kingdom. Nepal is landlocked by two giant neighbours, India and China, which it borrows heavily from in terms of cuisine and culture. Dal Bhat, which is the traditional Nepali daily staple, consisting of lentils and rice, served with vegetable curry and pickles, is a reflection of its neighbours down south. Whereas momos, the meat or vegetable dumplings, borrows from Tibet to the east.

Religion plays a big tangible role in this small nation. Nepal was the only Hindu kingdom in the world until federalism reformed the country a couple of years ago. This is reflected heavily in the innumerous temples across every street and corner. Pashupatinath, the holiest temple of Lord Shiva, resides deep in the heart of Kathmandu, while Janakpur the ancient city of Goddess Sita, brings a huge influx of visitors from around the globe. Prayer flags fly atop almost every mountainside while monks live in remote monasteries praying to Budhha, who was born here in Lumbini.

Culture and traditions. That is the next big draw to this Himalayan nation.

Nepal has always held big allure for visitors. It is important now to inform people everywhere that Nepal is open and safe. The general consensus from the ground, sourced directly from other travelers, is that now is a perfectly acceptable time to be here. I even saw a family trekking with their two middle-school kids above Namche.

So, if you’ve been deterred by recent events from travelling to Nepal, I hope this eases your mind. I found the trails to be in good condition, food and water are plentiful, tea houses are staffed; the only thing missing was visitors.

This post has been adapted from the original post up on indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com. Click below read the full article: